Article in Bradenton Herald today, Jan 6, 2009

Here is a link to an article in todays Bradenton Herald.

Young musician, wise beyond years, passes on,

The lady that wrote the article met and interviewed Heath a couple of years ago.


"On New Year’s Day, family and friends of Heath Sammons gathered to celebrate the young musician’s life. May his amazing display of courage in the face of adversity be a comfort to those who loved him.
Heath died Christmas Eve, after losing his battle with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer that affects children and adolescents.
On Feb. 25, Heath would have celebrated his 21st birthday. Even though he won’t celebrate that milestone celebration that marks one’s official entrance into adulthood, Heath was wise beyond his years.
I met Heath just over two years ago when I wrote a profile of him and the skateboard accident that proved to be a blessing because it revealed the tumor growing at the base of his spine.
We were sitting around the family dining table — Heath, his mom, Karis Meier, his stepdad, Jim Meier, his brother, Colt, and several member’s of Heath’s band, which had just changed its name from the Allen Litchburg Experience to Kileva.
Heath was having one of his good days. Hope punctuated every sentence as he and his family explained the treatment options outlined by his doctors.
While I listened, I found myself constantly drawn to Heath’s eyes. There was a peace there despite the harrowing chemotherapy treatments he had to endure.
“It’s going to be OK,” Heath said. “Whatever happens, it’s going to be OK.”
Then Heath picked up his guitar and let his music flow.
The network of support surrounding Heath was amazing, including an extended family of relatives and friends far beyond his hometown of Palmetto.
His father, Lt. Gary Sammons of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, told me of his son’s profound courage, his deep faith.
Heath’s mom was his stalwart advocate. Karis told me that when Heath’s illness was finally diagnosed by Dr. Phillip Tally, she asked him what she should do.
“He told me, ‘Do your homework, Mom,’ ” Karis said.
And she did, becoming a walking encyclopedia on osteocarcoma, charting Heath’s treatments, doctor’s appointments, hospitalizations and symptoms on spreadsheets and color-coded calendars.
I know the days ahead will be hard for Heath’s family and friends.
Of course, there are no words that can ease that pain, but I hope they realize that during his brief time here, Heath taught others how vital faith is to living a full life.
Donna Wright, health and social services reporter, can be reached at 745-7049."

HEATH WILLIAM SAMMONS
02/25/88 TO 12/24/08
Palmetto, Florida

Heath William Sammons (20) passed from here into Heaven on the morning of Christmas Eve to be with Jesus. He battled a rare type of childhood bone cancer for three years with amazing courage and strength. Heath touched many lives with his outgoing personality and musical talent. His music will live on as he is now a Rock Star for Jesus.
Heath is survived by: His parents, Father: Gary Ryals Sammons and Stepmother Peggy, Mother: Karis (Eckley) Meier and Stepfather Jim Meier, brother and sister Colt and Karissa Sammons, Stepsisters Morgan Mitchell and Aubrey Lioce.
Maternal Grandparents, *Bill and Bonnie Eckley, Arthilla (Snooks) & Ed Lucier, Warren & Lorraine Sweetman, Paternal Grandparents, *Bob and Annette Moore, Step Grandparent Ted and Bonnie Meier, Aunts and Uncles: *Carl Ryals, Gary & Linda Sweetman, Rod & Barb Eckley, Denver & Laura Moore, Bruce & Chris Ryals, Melody Sweetman Carpenter & Ralph, Rich & Angie Lashaway, Eric & Teresa Sweetman and Mike & Diane Wilder.
*preceded in death
For those of you who would like to get to know Heath you can visit the attached sites:
His three year battle, http://www.heathsupdate.blogspot.com/ please visit the archives,
His faith, http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/heathsammons Condolences may be left on this site on the guestbook.
His music and fun times,
Heath singing: Sweet Child O Mine http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzEhI4SHof4
Videos: Pretty Woman http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSv3aGkDBxo
The Wild Wiener
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6WGCf1GP9A
Born to Be Wild
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVtWUxSsAH8
The Killing Killer That Kills
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZWHnr79jvU
Ol’ Memories
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-NvFK5FVOQ
The Magnificing Magnificents
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruDWwQkkxhc
Maginificing Magnificents and UnMagnificing Unmagnificents
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaqvzS8m3zk
Quiet Time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aybxQwpTjw0
Fox 13 news (Jam with Slash in LA)
http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=25887E7F2EF0788B7EF9DA14AD08E759?contentId=7154603&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1&sflg=1

Heath’s celebration of Life will be held Thursday, January 1, 2009 at First Baptist Church in Palmetto at 11:00 am.

In Lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to: THE JOY FM 88.1 http://www.thejoyfm.com/

Sweet Child of Mine

Heath went to be with the Lord at 2:25AM this morning. His birthday is 2/25. He was very peaceful at the time. He had his mom and stepdad, Karis and Jim, and his dad and stepmom, Gary and Peggy, on each side of his bed. His brother Colt and other family members were also in the room. The last thing that Heath said, which was earlier, was "I need to change my tunes". Karis believes he is now playing for Jesus and we all known Jesus is enjoying Heath's music.

We are all doing well. Besides not having much sleep, Karis is doing well. She has shed a lot of tears and will shed more. She is a very strong, amazing woman with a big heart. She fought for her son's life as hard as anyone could imagine. She is at peace knowing where Heath is now. Vera Jo is making sure we have plenty to eat tonight. We have some amazing friends that we know we can call at anytime if we need something.

He was surrounded by people that loved him very, very much. He and our family have been so blessed to receive the support and love from our family and friends. Our churches and employers have been tremendous with their support and understanding.

At this time we do not know the details of the service but we are planning the Celebration Party now and we want it to be a party that Heath would have wanted.

Thank you all and God bless,
Jim

Special Prayer Request from Karis for Heath

I do want to post this request here also because of the importance. This is a journal entry that Karis asked me to put on the Caring Bridge site this morning, http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/heathsammons.

This is Karis's husband. Karis wanted me to post a request that she wants to happen at 4PM today. She is on her way to church right now because she felt an overwhelming need to be there this morning.

Last night she had an inspiration or vision, she wasn't quite sure how to explain it. At 4 PM today she wants our house surrounded by people in prayer for Heath. She said it could be 5 people or 500 people as long as the house was surrounded. If you see this request and can't be here then she wants you to be in prayer for Heath at 4PM from where ever you are. She is very emotional this morning but I could see that this inspiration lifted her.

Heath has an amazing amount of faith that he will be healed. On several occasions he has asked people to pray for him but at this time he is not aware of this request. I'm not sure but I believe Karis may just want to fill this entire house with that kind of faith. So spread the word and join us all in prayer for Heath at 4PM today.

God bless you all,
Jim (Heath's stepdad)

Visit the Caring Bridge site that Karis setup

Please visit the Caring Bridge site that Karis recently setup. It is much more user friendly for her and has some nice added features. You can sign the guestbook as well as register to receive journal update notifications, which is something I wanted to do here but can't. I've been trying to get her to post on this site but the Caring Bridge is a much better place for her to keep everyone updated. I will also keep this blog going but may just post links back to the Caring Bridge site. Thanks Jill for getting Karis on that site.

Here is a link to the site, http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/heathsammons.

Congratulations and Thank You

We want to congratulate Patsy Skinner. Her ticket was drawn on September 20th. I believe she was out of town but Melody contacted her later that night.

We want to thank everyone that contributed from those that bought tickets to Melody and Ralph for organizing the event. Melody sent me this flier that was sent out to those that bought tickets and I wanted to post it here.

Car Drawing Update: we still need to sell 50 tickets

The drawing for the car is this Saturday and we still have approximately 50 more tickets to sell. We have to cover the cost of the car so it's important that we sell the rest of the tickets before the drawing. I voted to delay the drawing but that's not going to happen. If you know someone that wants a ticket but hasn't got one then have them give Melody a call at 941-756-2847. You don't have to be present to win. Thanks to all those that have bought tickets.